Description
Succulent baked chicken thighs bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Crispy herb-seasoned skin and juicy meat create a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and minimal sticking.
- Thoroughly blot chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp skin during roasting.
- Massage olive oil across the entire surface of chicken thighs, promoting even browning and flavor absorption.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing container.
- Generously distribute the spice mixture over chicken thighs, coating each piece uniformly for maximum flavor penetration.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining spacing between pieces for consistent heat circulation.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 425F (220C) for 35-40 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C).
- For an extra-crispy exterior, activate broiler function for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, enabling juices to redistribute and enhance overall tenderness.
Notes
- Always pat chicken thighs completely dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that seals in maximum flavor and moisture.
- Experiment with alternative seasoning blends like za’atar, Italian herbs, or Cajun spices to transform the basic recipe into exciting global-inspired dishes.
- For a healthier version, swap skin-on chicken thighs with skinless options and use a light spray of olive oil to reduce overall fat content while maintaining juiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness, preventing undercooking or drying out the chicken and ensuring food safety every single time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg